from our Carmelite Sisters: Community NEWS....

WE have often been asked to explain the different clothing the Sisters wear at the different stages of the religious life here in Carmel. The answer fits in very well with the community news for this month, since we have Sisters at all the different stages now in our Carmel. By glancing at the photo at the top of our newsletter, you will be able to see the attire or habit of each phase of the religious formation as it is described.

The first step in becoming a Carmelite begins with the time of the Postulancy. During this period of six months to a year, the new Sister wears a black jumper, a black cape and black veil with a white band. On March 18th, our senior postulant received the habit and became a Novice. Not only was it a happy day for all of the Community, but as Sister’s family lives nearby, they were all present to see the ceremony and visit with Sister afterwards. During the clothing ceremony, the postulant receives the brown wool tunic which is gathered at the waist by a leather belt or cincture, from which hangs the large black habit rosary. She also receives the scapular and the white mantle. She wears a white veil, but does not receive this formally, as the official veil of the Carmelite Religious is the black one, when she professes Final Vows.

On May 1st, our senior novice took her Temporary Vows. What a special day it was for Sister, and for each one of us! The taking of the vows is a private ceremony in Carmel. It takes place early in the morning when most of the world is still asleep, and is witnessed only by the Sisters...and of course, the Court of Heaven. Perhaps it is because it is hidden that it is such a treasured event in a Carmelite vocation: the holy event of the exchange of gifts between a soul and her God. Sister remains a professed novice under Temporary Vows for three years. Her habit is the same as the newly clothed novice except for the profession crucifix which she now wears under the scapular.

Our new postulant from California gazed in wonder at more snow she had ever seen in her 19 years. Although the storm wasn’t as severe as the others, God “saved the best for last”. Because the snow was extremely wet, the heavy ice that formed on power lines caused an electrical outage for nearly 24 hours. Praying the Divine Office with small flashlights in the darkness of pre-dawn reminded us of the early monks who prayed by candlelight. Our new Sister came through the ordeal just fine, but is happy to wait until next winter to find out what a “full Colorado blizzard” is like!

With all the ceremonies past and the milder weather upon us, Mother Prioress is glad to let the Sisters work outdoors to clean away all the winter wear from the grounds and do a little more landscaping. All of our new trees made it through the rough winter weather and have sprouted their tiny new leaves at last. We are so enjoying the fragrant blossoms on lilacs and fruit trees!

Our prayers are with each of you, always. (http://www.sistersofcarmel.com/)